The Islander Resort of Islamorada will become one of Guy Harvey's eco-friendly outpost resorts. Multiple upgrades coming including a Florida Keys Discovery Center and Theater.

The Islander Resort of Islamorada will become one of Guy Harvey's eco-friendly outpost resorts. Multiple upgrades coming including a Florida Keys Discovery Center and Theater.

Arlene SatchellSun Sentinel

Fort Lauderdale-based Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts on Tuesday announced the addition of Islander Resort in Islamorada to its portfolio of Outpost resorts.

The 139-unit resort complex will be known as The Islander, a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort and a portion of its conference center will be converted into the Florida Keys Discovery Center and Theater, the eco-friendly hotel branding company said in a statement.

The Islander’s conversion to a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort will include both its 115-room Oceanside property and its 24-unit Bayside villas complex and marina, the company said.

Work on the Discovery Center and resort renovations, which will include upgrades to room interiors, the lobby and other public spaces is expected to begin immediately.

The renovations will take about a year to complete and will also include the addition of a Guy Harvey Outfitter center, which will assist guests in booking adventure experiences and the re-branding of the resort’s pool bar and grill as Guy’s Beachside Grill.

“As a future Guy Harvey Outpost, the Islander is a wonderful opportunity for our Outpost brand to showcase important efforts in marine research and conservation underway in the Florida Keys, all while delivering a ‘top-of- class’ family vacation experience that celebrates the outdoor lifestyle,” Dr. Guy Harvey said.

Harvey is a celebrated marine artist, scientist, conservationist and co-owner of the environmentally-friendly hotel branding company.

The Islander’s ownership and management will remain the same as part of the terms of agreement to become a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort.

“We are both committed to continuing to deliver the Islander’s signature casual Keys’ ambiance that makes the resort so unique and popular,” said David Curry, the resort’s owner, of the new partnership. “We want to respect the history and reputation of the Islander and only continue to improve even more on what has always been a great resort.”

Last June, Guy Harvey Outpost branded its first Florida hotel -- the 211- room TradeWinds Sandpiper Suites in St. Pete Beach. It also has resorts in the Bahamas, and a 30-unit eco-lodge is currently under construction in the Galapagos Islands, off Ecuador.